Everson Luhanga
There were moments of agitation and moments of happiness, for teachers and staff in the education sector as the vaccination rollout got underway.
For some, it was the moment that they have been waiting for.
The Gauteng Department of Education kicked off the vaccination campaign for those in the sector on Wednesday morning.
MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi got his jab on Wednesday at the Tembisa Rabasotho community hall along with many happy teachers.
Speaking to the media, Lesufi said although vaccination is not compulsory, it is important for educators to be vaccinated.
“We want to ask all our teachers and staff members to take advantage of this opportunity so that the entire sector can be protected.
“We have including everyone in the education sector to be vaccinated,” he said.
Teacher Khutso Tabane got the jab and said although it was scary at first, she is happy that the time has finally arrived.
Ella Mokgalane, CEO of the South African Council for educators said the government wants to vaccinate 450,000 people nationwide in both private and public schools in the next 10 days.
Ella said the calls for the closure of schools are not necessary as the school calendar is already heading for holidays. “The priority, for now, is making sure that the schooling environment is safe for learning and teaching,” she said.
